Authorities say the Popocatepetl volcano located just southeast of Mexico City has registered an explosion that spewed a mix of steam, gas and ashes about 3.5 kilometers (2.1 miles) into the air. Mexico's National Center for Disaster Prevention says that the flare up occurred on Friday afternoon and that the amount of ash mix released was "moderate." Popocatepetl is an active volcano, and the second tallest volcano in the country. It is located 72 kilometers (nearly 45 miles) from the capital, and close to Morelos, Puebla and Mexico states.